Boston History & Highlights Walking Tour

Step away from the Freedom Trail and delve into Boston’s fascinating history in a new way. From the signature Boston Harbor and celebrated Freedom Trail, to the charming heart of Beacon Hill, join your local guide on a journey that seeks to link you with the Boston of the past and the present.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Greenway Carousel - You will meet your guide and the rest of the group.

  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Your tour begins at Faneuil Hall. Here, you’ll hear about the notable revolutionaries who were the first to advocate for independence from Great Britain.

  • Custom House Tower by Marriott Vacation Club - From Faneuil Hall, you’ll be able to see Custom House Tower, the first skyscraper built in the city of Boston and originally the location where incoming goods were stored upon arrival to Boston.

  • Old South Meeting House - You can’t come to Boston and not mention the Boston Tea Party. While at this stop, which was originally a church, your guide will fill you in on all that led up to the infamous event. Learn who said “No taxation without representation!” and how Bostonians planned their act of rebellion in 1773.

  • Old Corner Bookstore - Next we’ll pass by the site of the first bookstore in Boston, which has housed the publishers of Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and Longfellow - you may have heard of his famous tale: Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

  • Old City Hall - This hall was home to the city council in the 19th and 20th century, as well as the site of the first public school in America. You’ll also marvel at its breathtaking French architecture and be able to snap a photo with the famed Bronze Donkey.

  • King’s Chapel - A short trek through Downtown Crossing and past the Old City Hall takes you to one of the most historic places in the country – King’s Chapel, the first Anglican church in New England. Your guide will teach you about its history and its progression through the centuries. If we’re lucky, we could hear the organist practicing on the oldest church organ in the US.

  • Old State House - Moving into the heart of Downtown Boston, we stop in front of the Old State House. This is where the Declaration of Independence was announced to elated crowds in July 1776 - your guide will paint quite the picture for you of that exciting time in Boston. On the flip side, you’ll also hear about the tragic Boston Massacre that occurred here and what led up to that fateful day.

  • Boston Common - The oldest city park in the United States, Boston Common (not Commons) is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Walking through the park, you’ll see various memorials, fountains, and recreation areas - which have been enjoyed daily since 1634.

  • Beacon Hill - One of the most popular and well-known neighborhoods in all of Boston, this area wasn’t always as attractive as it is today. You’ll peek down the cobbled streets as your guide shares the fascinating history of this area - how sailors and British soldiers in the 17th and 18th centuries actually decreased its favor for local residents and how it became the iconic and aspirational neighborhood it is today.

  • Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial - A lesser-known memorial, but one of great interest and significance. This memorial commemorates one of the first African American regiments in the Civil War and their colonel Robert Gould Shaw.

  • Massachusetts State House - You’ll love seeing the glittering dome of the inspiring, historic, and beautiful Massachusetts State House. You may have heard of the original landowner for this site, John Hancock, and the man who presided over the cornerstone ceremony for the building in 1795, Paul Revere. Your guide will be sure to fill you in on how this building has lasted over the years and continues to be an integral part of the state’s government.

  • Boston Public Garden - This garden is full of life with residents of modern Boston enjoying it for walks, exercise, fun, or just a peaceful moment. But as you walk through this picturesque park (the first public park in America), you’ll really be able to get a sense of how the land was used by Bostonians (and even British soldiers) throughout the revolution-era and since then as well. Your tour will end here - in the perfect central location for you to continue your day in Boston.

  • Granary Burying Ground - Originally part of Boston Common, this cemetery dates back to 1660. Along the way, you’ll pass by the final resting spot of famous Revolutionary heroes like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams.

What's Included
  • Take photos of Boston’s iconic brick row houses
  • Enjoy a surprise local treat
  • Pass by Custom House Tower, the city’s first skyscraper
  • See the site of the first public school in America
  • Get tips on what else to see, do, and eat during your stay
  • Join a friendly local English-speaking guide and learn some local secrets
  • Enjoy stunning views from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
  • Learn about the Sons of Liberty and see where the Boston Tea Party took place
What's Not Included
  • Additional food and drink
  • Tips/gratuities for your guide
Additional Information
  • This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge.
  • We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour.
  • Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking.
  • Experiences happen rain, shine, or snow. Please dress accordingly.
Location
The Greenway Carousel
Atlantic Avenue
The Greenway Carousel (Outside - Next to the Carousel entrance), 191 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02111
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(529 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Freyjaw2016
Jul 30, 2024
Magic of Boston with Molly - I can highly recommend a tour with Molly, our intrepid and lovely guide. Knowledgable, fun, interesting and interested, Molly is everything you could ask for in a guide. She really made the history come alive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E3081cywendyf
Jul 24, 2024
Amazing Boston Highlights Tour - Lexie was super knowledgeable and amazing ! We had a fabulous time touring her hometown of Boston ! Great places recommended and toured !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amandaru801tk
Jul 22, 2024
Great in Boston - Bob was a fabulous guide! The tour was fun for not only adults but for kids too. Bob gave a very thorough and informative tour of the Freedom Trail. From the Boston Massacre to the State House, there was no question Bob could not answer. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rroca01
Jul 20, 2024
Must do it - Nabil was an excellent and very helpful guide. We were a small party so I can get the most out of the tour. Definitely recomendable, specially to get a first sight of Boston
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carole
Jul 16, 2024
Boston highlights - We enjoyed the Boston highlights tour with our young guide. Alex was very knowledgeable about Boston history and American history in general, and he has great story telling skill which made the tour particularly enjoyable as well as interesting and informative. He was also very considerate towards the older people in the group which was very nice. We can highly recommend Alex.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roni
Jul 16, 2024
Great Historical tour of Boston - I went on a walking tour with Nabil (main tour guide) and Alex (assistant tour guide/learner). It was an excellent tour and it is somewhat customizable. I was mostly interested in knowing the history of Boston revolving around American revolution and Nabil did a great job explaining that to me - he explained the history like a story and not like a bunch of random facts and figures as history is often taught. I was also got complimentary coffee and water during the tour. Both tour guides were personable, interesting and friendly. I highly recommend this tour company and tour guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gwynneth_b
Jul 11, 2024
Molly was an amazing tour guide and so much fun. This, along with her wide knowledge of the relevant history made🤩 🤩 - Hearing the details of the Boston Massacre and generally the overall history of the Boston area. Well laid out route and very easy and efficient booking process.
Review provided by Viator
Kathryn_h
Jul 7, 2024
The things I learned! - My tour guide Lexie did a great job explaining the history of Boston. Enjoyed the tour! I didn’t realize all is the firsts that took place in Boston.
Review provided by Viator
Marietta_e
Jul 6, 2024
Learning Boston’s... - Learning Boston’s history. Seeing old city hall, state house, Shaw sculpture, gardens, commons, cemetery,
Review provided by Viator
Otisb871
Jul 5, 2024
Historic Freedom Trail Tour (Otis & Tracey) - Adam was very knowledgeable of the information shared regarding the Historic Freedom Trail. We enjoyed the dialogue as well as sharing often his personal touch to his storytelling.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today